Ripley Entertainment says it wants to support families on anniversary of duck boat tragedy

As the one-year anniversary approaches of last summer's tragic duck boat sinking on Table Rock Lake, the company that operated the vessel said it wants to do what it can to support the victims.

Ripley Entertainment — which owned the amphibious duck boat that sank in a thunderstorm on July 19, 2018, killing 17 people — said it has worked hard over the last year on behalf of the victims and the Branson community.

The company has settled 19 of the 33 lawsuits filed against it in the wake of the sinking and announced it will not operate its duck boats in 2019.

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A few flowers remained after most of a memorial at Ride the Ducks had been cleaned up in this file photo taken July 21, 2018, in Branson.(Photo: Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)

Here is Ripley's full statement on the annivesary of the sinking:

"A year ago, an unprecedented storm on Table Rock Lake changed many lives and the Branson community. Not a day has passed that we don’t think about those who lost their lives and their families.

"We know we can never fully understand the pain and challenges the families who were affected by the accident have faced, but Ripley Entertainment has worked hard to offer help wherever we can. We are deeply committed to supporting these families. A recent court filing outlines the settlements we have reached with many of the families, and we continue to work with others.

"As we look to the future, we are committed to Branson and this amazing community. Our Ride The Ducks building and property are important to the Branson tourism economy, and we want to ensure it continues to contribute. To do so, we opened the new Branson Top Ops attraction to serve and encourage tourism, create jobs for the hardworking people who live and work here, and support the surrounding businesses.

"We saw firsthand the impact First Responders have in this community. To show our appreciation, ten percent of all admissions proceeds, with a minimum amount of $100,000, will be donated to local Police, Fire, and EMS, who put their lives on the line to make Branson a safer place.

'We are dedicated to working with the community of Branson, and continuing our support of the families and employees who were impacted by the accident."